NEWS ROUND-UP: PICKIN, FORSTER, WOODRUFF

Swansea’s lightweight Greg Pickin (5-0, 2KO) has been forced to retire due to work commitments. Paul Boyce managed the popular 32-year-old and guided him to five wins in an 18 month professional career. Last year, Pickin scored back-to-back stoppages over Ben Zacharkiw and Brandon Bean in the first and second rounds, respectively. However, Pickin was forced to endure six months inactivity in the second half of the year when he suffered a hand injury. The Welshman returned in December for his fifth and final bout, beating Kristian Laight on points over four rounds and he leaves the sport happy with what he’s done and with his health intact. Two time Welsh Amateur Boxing Association (WABA) Novice Championships winner Robbie Forster has turned professional. The 22-year-old will be trained by Paul Evans in Talbot Green and managed by Nottingham’s Carl Greaves. The flyweight was undefeated as an amateur and he won all five of his contests while representing Arthur’s Gym. Forster last fought in October in Penygraig and he will have his first professional fight in the summer. It’s a busy weekend for Welsh boxers travelling on the road. There are two Welshmen appearing on the undercard of Ricky Burns’ WBO world lightweight title defence in Scotland on Saturday. The St David’s Day show includes Welsh lightweight champion Craig Woodruff (5-2, 2KO) who faces Martin Ward (7-0, 3KO) and Aberystwyth’s Jamie Ambler (10-53-2, 3KO) has Burns’ stablemate, David Brophy (9-0-1). Meanwhile in London, Ferndale’s Chuck Jones (4-13-2) faces hot prospect Romeo Romaeo (2-0, 1KO). This week in Bulgaria, a squad of Welsh amateur boxers are competing in the Strandja Cup tournament. Keep visiting BoxingWales.com for competition results. IMAGE BY CIARAN GIBBONS